Pictures have revealed the devastating aftermath of a Darlington fire that has decimated the top floor of a derelict building. 

Fire crews rushed to the former Valley House, on Valley Street North, on Tuesday after a large blaze broke out in the abandoned building around 5.40pm. 

Thick black plumes of smoke were captured billowing from the scene of the incident while five fire engines and an aerial ladder platform worked to bring the flames under control. 

Police at the scene of a fire on Valley Street North, in DarlingtonPolice at the scene of a fire on Valley Street North, in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Now, new pictures taken on Wednesday morning have revealed the aftermath of the fire, which has torn through the top floor of the building leaving it open to the elements. 

Brickwork has been left scorched, window frames melted, and glass shattered - with several police vehicles now guarding the scene while investigations continue. 

Police at the scene of a fire on Valley Street North in DarlingtonPolice at the scene of a fire on Valley Street North in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Police at the scene of a fire on Valley Street North in DarlingtonPolice at the scene of a fire on Valley Street North in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

As previously reported, smoke could be seen from several miles away following the fire, with people urged to stay away and roads around the area taped off. 

Crowds gathered at the scene to watch the incident unfold, with one 59-year-old, who didn’t want to be named, saying that it was "all anybody has been talking about all night". 

Police at the scene of a fire on Valley Street North in DarlingtonPolice at the scene of a fire on Valley Street North in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Police at the scene of a fire on Valley Street North in DarlingtonPolice at the scene of a fire on Valley Street North in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

It is not yet known what caused the fire. 

A statement from the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) on Tuesday said: "Our Firefighters are currently tackling a large blaze at a premises in the Valley Street North area of Darlington.

"We were called at around 5.40pm today and are expected to be at the scene for some time as we work to put out the fire.

The fire broke out at an abandoned building(Image: Stuarat Boulton)

The fire sent black plumes of smoke across the townThe fire sent black plumes of smoke across the town (Image: Tom Burgess)

"We currently have five fire engines and an aerial ladder platform (ALP) in attendance.

"We ask that businesses and properties in the area keep their doors and windows closed due to the level of smoke and urge people to stay away from the area

"Motorists who have to travel near the area should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed."

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Group Manager Dan Wootton of CDDFRS said: “We ask that businesses and properties in the area keep their doors and windows closed due to the level of smoke and urge people to stay away from the area.

“Motorists who have to travel near the area should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed."

If you have any concerns about the smoke’s impact on your health please call your GP surgery for advice, following any instructions for out of hours services, or contact the NHS 111 service (which is free from both landlines and mobiles and open 24/7).